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Nigeria winger, Victor Moses, is expected to rejoin English Premier League side, Chelsea today (Tuesday) at the club’s Cobham training ground, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Moses’ international teammate, Kenneth Omeruo will also join him at Cobham as both players train for the first time under new manager, Maurizio Sarri.

The duo were granted extended break by the club after featuring for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Moses played in all Super Eagles three games in Russia, while Omeruo featured in two games.

Omeruo, 24, is yet to feature in an official game for Chelsea since linking up with the Blues from Belgian club, Standard Liege in January 2012.

Moses was a constant feature under Antonio Conte after he initially found it hard to break into the first team.

The other Nigerian at the club, Ola Aina who was omitted from the squad to Russia 2018 has since reported for pre-season duties.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/moses-omeruo-start-pre-season-training-with-chelsea-today/

Nigeria defender, Tyronne Ebuehi, says he is ready to work hard and earn a regular playing berth at Portuguese club, Benfica, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Ebuehi, 22, linked up with Benfica in May following the expiration of his contract with Dutch club, ADO Den Haag.

The right-back only joined his new teammates in their pre-season training last week.

“The coach (Rui Vitoria) told me what he actually want from me which is to work hard and make myself important for the team,” Ebuehi told reporters on Monday at Benfica’s training base in St. George’s Park, England.

“I have to work hard, train well and we’ll see what happens next. Being in the first team is my main goal, but I have to work hard in training.”

Ebuehi who featured in one game for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia also reckos that he face a tough battle to earn a starting spot in the team due to the quality of players available to the gaffer.

“The quality of my teammates is way above my previous club where I played, but it’s what I expected, because Benfica is a great club and has a lot of good players,” he added.

It’s something that will help me be a better player.

Despite the enormity of the task before him, the young defender says that he has enjoyed his stay at the club since arriving for pre-season training.

“Being here is a dream come true, it’s great to be in such a great club,” he declared.

“Everything is going very well, it’s a good experience. We’re working hard and it’s a different reality.

He also talks about his quality which he hopes will help him cement a place in the team.

“Speed ​​is one of my weapons. I am strong in defence, good in one by one duels and very strong and fast too.
For a right-back, I am an offensive player, ” Ebuehi revealed.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-eagler-to-work-hard-for-regular-playing-spot-at-benfica/

Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is set to be offered an improved deal by English Premier League club, Leicester City, as reward for his impressive showing in the past campaign, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Ndidi, 21, has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League since his £15million move to the King Power Stadium from Belgian club Genk last January.

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He won more tackles than any player in the Premier League last season.

The midfielder currently earns £35,000 per week at Leicester City.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in signing the Nigeria international, but The Foxes, according to a report in Leicester Mercury, are said to be preparing to offer the midfielder a new contract.

Ndidi has made more than 60 appearances for The Foxes since arriving in English Premier League.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-set-to-earn-improved-leicester-city-deal/

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has warned that Nigeria stands the risk of being banned from international football competitions if the current leadership crisis bedevilling the country’s Football Federation persists, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Amaju Pinnick has been the NFF President since 2014 but a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago appeared to give Giwa the mandate, and he has since presumably assumed office.

The four year-old case was expected to be resolved at the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday but it was adjourned to 25 September.

Pinnick approached the court for the relief after the Supreme Court judgment which ordered him to comply with the lower court’s order that compelled him to vacate the office for Giwa.

Giwa is not recognised by FIFA as he is serving a ban. He also lost the case with Pinnick at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is the highest adjudicator in sporting matters.

Giwa has however continue to parade himself as the NFF president following the adjournment, a move which could force FIFA to wield the big stick on Nigeria.

“The situation is very clear, there can be no interference in the running of the association… That’s the end of it. If any external body thinks they can change this, then of course Nigeria could be banned,” Infantino stated during his interaction with the media in Moscow on Friday.

Should FIFA placed a ban on Nigeria, the Super Eagles will not participate in the African Cup of Nations qualifier, while the other national teams will also be affected.

Two-time African champions, Enyimba who will also keep a date with Ivory Coast’s Williamsville in CAF Confederation Cup will also be disqualified from the competition.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fifa-president-infantino-nigeria-risk-ban-over-nff-crisis/

Turkish giants, Galatasary have announced the capture of Nigeria forward Henry Onyekuru on a season-long loan deal from English club, Everton, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Galatasaray had confirmed on Monday that they are in talks with Everton over a potential loan transfer of the young striker.

Everton will be paid an €800,000 loan fee, while Onyekuru will be paid €1.2m plus €10K win bonus.

“✒ #Galatasaray are glad to make the signing of Henry Onyekuru official!
Nigerian �� 21-year old winger is joining us from @Everton on loan.
Welcome, @henryconyekuru!,”reads a tweet on Galatasaray official Twitter handle on Thursday.

Onyekuru joined Everton in the summer of 2017 after an impressive season at modest Belgian top flight club Eupen.

He was loaned out to Anderlecht where he overcame a slow start to hit very good form, scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances and 10 goals in 28 games in all competitions despite playing mostly as a wide forward.

His campaign was cut short by a long-term knee injury that ultimately blew his Russia 2018 World Cup chances.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/galatasaray-confirm-one-season-loan-signing-of-onyekuru-from-everton/

Super Eagles defender, Tyronne Ebuehi, has has joined his Benfica teammates in Portugal as they intensify their pre-season training, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Ebuehi, who linked up with the Eagles on a free transfer from Dutch club, ADO Den Haag in May, trained with his teammates for the first at the Jose Mourinho Training Centre in Troia on Thursday morning.

The 22-year-old was granted an extended break following his involvement with the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.


Benfica posted pictures of Ebuehi training with his teammates on their official Twitter handle on Thursday.

The right-back featured once for the Super Eagles in the competition coming on as a second half substitute for Bryan Idowu in Nigeria’s second group game against Iceland which they won 2-0 in Volgograd, Russia.

The Super Eagles were eliminated from Russia 2018 in the First Round following a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their last group game.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebuehi-joins-benfica-pre-season-training-after-world-cup-break/

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, is still haunted by the team’s early ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Gernot Rohr’s men failed to progress to the knockout round following a 2-1 defeat against Argentina in their last group game.

The West Africans opened their account in Russia with a 2-0 loss to Croatia but bounced back to record a 2-0 win against Iceland in their second game.

Balogun featured in all four games for the Super Eagles in Russia.

“Better late than never, but never late is better. It’s been 2 weeks since this exciting journey has ended for my team and me. Reminiscing it’s still painful, I won’t lie. But life goes on and it gives you so many reasons to smile,” he wrote on Instagram page.

“Meanwhile I turned 30 (thx for all the messages ��), am about to start a new chapter in Brighton and there will be a new world champion soon making their nation proud.

“I will be forever grateful for this invaluable experience with the Super Eagles. So this is to say thank you to my team, the complete staff, to everyone who was part of this great journey and supported us. To Russia and its people for their great hospitality.

” And last but not least, THANK YOU Nigeria for the endless support. It’s been a great honour representing you and we hope we could make you proud.
We will continue to strive for greatness in the future so one day we can hopefully bring a trophy back home ����� #.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/balogun-super-eagles-early-exit-from-russia-2018-still-painful/

Croatia qualified for their first ever final after defeating England 2-1 in their semi-final clash of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow on Wednesday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Mario Mandzukic scored in 109th minute of extra time to seal the win for Croatia.

Kieran Trippier opened scoring for the Three Lions with free kick after five minutes.
Ivan Perisic drew Croatia level in the second half.

Croatia will face France in Sunday’s final, while Belgium and England will fight for the third place on Saturday

England troubled Croatia with their pace in the opening minutes of the game with Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard all finding spaces behind the Croats defence.

In the fifth minute, Croatia conceded a free kick at the edge of the box after Luka Modric’s clumsy tackle on Lingard.

Trippier stepped up and curled in his shot past Danijel Subasic.

England had chances to double their lead but Sterling, Lingard and Harry Kane all missed.

Croatia also had opportunity to draw level through Ante Rebic but his shot was fired straight at Jordan Pickford.

Croatia were rattled in defence and that forced them in making too many errors in their defensive line during the latter stages of this first half.

Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic had rare chances to draw Croatia level before half time but they wasted their opportunities.

ln the second half, Croatia added more urgency to their game and they started carving out chances to score but Mario Mandzukic, Perisic missed the initial opportunity they had.

Perisic drew Croatia level in the 68th minute after he had hit the post with a shot.

The Juventus striker stabbed in Sime Vrsaljko from the right flank his 20th international goal for Croatia.

With extra time looming Perisic threatened with another attempt at goal.

In extra time, John Stones saw his goal bound header cleared off the line by Rakitic.

Mandzukic scored the winner for Croatia inbthe 109th minute capitalizing on a poor clearance from the English defence.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/perisic-mandzukic-shoot-down-three-lions-as-croatia-reach-first-ever-world-cup-final/

Nigeria forward Anthony Okpotu has linked up with Moroccan club Difaa Hassani d’el- Jadida (DHJ) on a three-year deal, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Okpotu joined the Moroccan Botola club from Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

He was top scorer in the NPFL last term with 19 goals and was part of Nigeria’s home-based side that came second at the African Nations Championship in Morocco last year.

The striker once had stint with Libyan club Al Ittihad Triopoli.

DHJ, is a club based in El Jadida and they play their home games at 15, 000 capacity Stade El Abdi.

The modest club came fourth in the league last season and have been runners-up thrice.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/okpotu-joins-moroccan-club-dhj-on-three-year-deal/

Scottish club, Glasgow Rangers, have completed the signing of Nigeria forward, Sadiq Umar on a season long loan deal from Italian oufit, AS Roma, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The loan move is subject to international clearance.

Sadiq, 21, has struggled to pin down a regular shirt since linking up with AS Roma from Serie B side Spezia in 2015.

He has scored twice in six appearances for the Giallorossi since the move.

The striker has spent the majority of his Roma career out on loan and has enjoyed spells at Bologna and Torino, as well as Dutch side NAC Breda.

“The plan was to stay in Rome this season but when
Steven Gerrard calls, you can’t say no,” Sadiq told Rangers TV.

“He told me about the team, the players, that everyone will be at my side if I come here and he will help me to go forward in my career.

“You don’t have to think twice when someone says that to you.”

Sadiq was part of Nigeria’s U-23 team that won bronze medal in the football event at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/sadiq-umar-finally-joins-rangers-on-loan-from-roma-eager-to-work-with-gerrard/

Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, has advised Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa factions to reach a truce and end the imbroglio currently rocking the the Nigeria Football Federation for the sake of the sport in the county.

A Jos court on Tuesday failed to deliver judgement on the case between Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa over who is the legimately elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation, a feud that has been unresolved for the past four years.

The case has been adjourned till September 25.

“We dont know why this issue is still persisting,” Amuneke told CSN.

“We have to put square pegs in square holes to move our football forward. It’s not easy going back and forth on court cases.

“This is unfair because its when we have little success we have this problem. I just hope we can change that and appease those aggrieved.”

The Nigeria Football Federation is now hoping to avoid a FIFA ban as it will stop Nigeria from playing their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September, while the Super Falcons, Falconets, other national teams and Enyimba, who are in the CAF Confederation Cup, would also be affected.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-warring-factions-should-cease-fire-for-the-sake-of-nigerian-football/

Nigeria international, Henry Onyekuru opted to join Turkish side, Galatasaray after he was denied a work permit to play for English Premier League side Everton, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Onyekuru was expected to rejoin Everton this summer ahead of the new campaign but did not join the Toffees’ squad that flew out of England to Austria for pre-season on Sunday due to the club’s inability to secure a permit for the 20 year old petit striker.

The former RSC Anderlecht and Eupen striker according to Turkish Football has passed his medicals at Turkish side, Galatasaray with a loan deal set to be announced once both parties agree the financial terms.

Onyekuru was offered to Besiktas and Fenerbahce initially by agents but Galatasaray acted first and launched official talks with Everton for the striker who scored ten goals in 21 games in all competitions last season before his injury.

Onyekuru has five international caps to his name.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/revealed-why-onyekuru-opted-to-join-galatasaray/

IK Start’s Afeez Aremu says he is targeting an invitation to the Super Eagles squad ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in Victoria in September, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Aremu scored his third goal of the season for his Norwegian side, IK Start on Sunday as they came from a goal down to beat Stabaek 2-1.

The former Akwa United star has been a regular for the IK Start this season featuring in 18 league appearances and he is ready to play anywhere on the pitch in his bid to merit an inclusion in the Nigerian squad in September.

“I’ve been enjoying football, playing well for Ik Start since I arrived and I feel I deserve the call-up to the Super Eagles soon,” Aremu told CSN.

“There are lots of good players in the position, but I think I can compete for a place too.”

“I’ve shown I deserve to be in the Nigerian squad, but I don’t just want a place in the squad, I want to be in the team.”

Aremu, who watched as the Super Eagles crash out in the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia posits that the team was unlucky to lose to Argentina.

Marcos Rojo scored an 86th minute winner for Argentina to send the three time African Champions out of the tournament. Victor Moses drew Nigeria level from spot-kick after Lionel Messi shot La Albiceslete into the lead.

“Super Eagles tried but I feel they were unlucky conceding a goal with less that five minutes to play.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aremu-im-enjoying-my-ik-start-career-im-ready-for-eagles-invitation-on-merit/

FIFA Technical Study group member, Emmanuel Amuneke has urged the handler of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr to inject more creative midfielders in the team ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles.

The Super Eagles failed to make it out of the group stages of the World Cup for the third time in six appearances at the FIFA World Cup and Amuneke who is in the five-man FIFA Technical Study group revealed that the team missed out due to little details.

Nigeria lost 2-0 to Croatia in their opening game but bounced back to beat Iceland to boost their chances of qualifying for the next round, that was truncated by their 2-1 loss to Argentina.

“It was a good try. We were close, yet still far off,” Amuneke told CSN.

“We have seen some lapses and must correct them and inject fresh ideas to compete well against other teams that set up their team to nullify our threats.

“There were lots of positives from the tournament on the part of the Super Eagles which they must build on just like the creative aspect and the attack.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/amuneke-super-eagles-will-improve-with-more-creative-players-good-strikers/

Nigerian midfielder, Mikel Ndubuisi Agu, has resolved to stay and fight for his spot at Portuguese giants FC Porto in the new season, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

The combative player, who has played away on loan in the last three seasons, insists that he wants to stay with his parent club and seize the opportunity when presented with one.

“I don’t want to go on loan again. I’m staying at Porto and, so far, I’ve resumed for pre-season and everything is going on fine. I will work very hard and take my chance when I get it,” Agu told CSN.

Agu had previously played at Belgium’s Club Brugge, where he won the league title. He also had a stint at Rashidi Yekini’s former club, Vitoria Setubal, whom he helped to the semi-finals of the Taca da Liga before spending last season with Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor where he played alongside Super Eagles teammates William Troost-Ekong and Shehu Abdullahi.

The 25-year old is confident of his ability to fit in with the current Portuguese champions.

He said: “I know I can make the grades and play with the team. I’ve been here before and I’ve also been training with the team since we resumed for pre-season, so I have an idea of what I need to do. If I continue to work as hard as I’m doing and I stay injury-free, I’m sure I have the quality to play here.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/agu-rules-out-loan-switch-eager-to-seize-fc-porto-chance/

Fast rising Nigerian midfielder, Afeez Aremu, grabbed the winning goal for his Norwegian club, IK Start who beat Stabaek 2-1 in a league game at the Sparebanken Arena on Sunday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

IK Start who are battling to avoid the drop conceded a goal four minutes after the break before fighting back to win it.

Kevin Kabran started the comeback when he netted the equalising goal on the hour mark.

Aremu scored the winner a minute later to continue his start to life in Norway.

The former Akwa United star has now scored three goals in 16 league outings for IK Start.

Kjetil Rekdal’s men sit in 15th position in the 16 team Norwegian league table having garnered 14 points from 16 games.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aremu-scores-winner-for-ik-start-in-norwegian-league/

Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdullahi, says the team must now fight hard to secure a place in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after their early ouster from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two AFCON’s despite their pedigree as one of the strongest teams in the continent.

Gernot Rohr’s men already face a tough task in their bid to make it to Cameroon after losing their first qualifying fixture 2-0 at home against South Africa.

The Bursaspor of Turkey defender reckons that the team must concentrate on reaching Cameroon after their unlucky exit from the 2018 World Cup after First Round.

“It is important that we qualify for the next AFCON in Cameroon. We have not played in the competition for some time now and we can’t afford to miss the next one,” Abdullahi told CSN.

“I believe we have a team that can get the job done despite all the odds. The teams in our group won’t hand us the ticket on a platter of gold, so we have to work very hard to beat them to it.”

The three-time AFCON champions will face Seychelles in their qualifying game on September 7 in Victoria.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-super-eagles-must-qualify-afcon-2019/

Former Commonwealth Long Jump queen, Ese Brume, will make her debut in the money-spinning IAAF Diamond League this evening in Lausanne, Switzerland and in the process become the third Nigerian lady to participate in the prestigious one-day meeting this year after Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor and petite sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Brume who made history four years ago as the second Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal forty years after Modupe Oshikoya became the first Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold.

The Delta-state born Brume who won the long jump gold at the African Championships in Athletics in 2014 in Marakech,Morocco and 2016 in Durban,South Africa holds a personal season’s best of 6.81m which she jumped in May to win the event at the Jamaica Invitational meet.

The Nigerian will battle a strong line up of jumpers including the reigning world leader,Britain’s Lorraine Ugen who leapt a distance of 7.05m on Sunday at the British championships,Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Serbia’s Ivana Španovic who have both jumped 6.99m this term as well as another British jumper,Shara Proctor who has done 7.89m this year and Australian lady,Brooke Stratton who holds a personal season’s best of 6.88m.

Three time world champion and reigning Olympics long jump quuen,Tainna Bartoleta of the USA is also in the mix to battle for the $10,000 top prize on offer and the eight maximum points.

Ugen leads the Diamond League long jump standing with eight points following the 6.85m she jumped in Stockholm,Sweden on June 10.She is followed by Mihambo (7 points) and Canada’s Christabel Nettey who will not be competing in Laussane.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-commonwealth-queen-brume-set-to-make-diamond-league-debut-in-laussane-today/

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez reportedly limped out of a training session just three days before Uruguay’s quarter-final meeting with France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

La Celeste are already sweating on the fitness of
Edinson Cavani , who has been unable to take part in any sessions since injuring his hamstring late on in the 2-1 win over Portugal last weekend.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Uruguay face a double blow as Suarez injured his right leg during training at the team’s base in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The Barcelona star later returned to the field, but boss Oscar Tabarez is said to be concerned ahead of Friday’s showdown with France.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, Suarez insisted that Uruguay can cope without Cavani if his strike partner fails to recover from injury.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/suarez-doubtful-for-uruguay-france-clash/

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna moved up two spot in the latest ITTF World Ranking for the month of July reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The Nigerian star, ranked 22nd in June, is now the 20th best player in the world.

It’s the second time this year, that the Sporting Lisbon player will be breaking into the top 20 in the world having made the same spot in January 2018 – being the first Nigerian to achieve the feat.

The 29 year old star is also the topmost ranked player in Africa surpassing Egypt’s Omar Assar who dropped from 17th to 21st

Aruna amassed 10234 points compared to Assar’s 10233 in the latest ranking.

China’s Fan Zhendong retained the number one spot in the world ranking for the fourth consecutive month. Timo Boll is second in the ranking after climbing two spots up

Lin Gaoyuan climbed up to third from fifth place. Dimitrij Ovtcharov now occupies the No.4 position. Zhang Jike makes up the top five.

Zhendong’s compatriots- Ma Long, the reigning Olympic and World champion and Lee Sangsu are sixth and seventh. Tomokazu Harimoto is No. 8, Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting is ninth while Hugo Calderano is now at No.10.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/table-tennis-aruna-now-20th-best-player-in-the-world/

Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has narrated how he played a key game for his team during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup despite his father, Michael, being in captivity.

Nigeria needed a draw with Argentina to advance to the round of 16 last Tuesday but, unknown to his colleagues, Mikel had a much bigger issue to deal with.

Kidnappers had his father in their custody and were demanding a huge ransom. He had also been warned not to involve security agencies if he wanted his father back alive and in one piece.

“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits,” Mikel was quoted by The Guardian on Tuesday.

“I had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened.

“I was emotionally distraught and I had to make the decision about whether I was mentally ready to play. I was confused. I did not know what to do but, in the end, I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigerians down. I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. I could not even inform the coaches or NFF staff and only a very tight circle of my friends knew.

“I was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told anybody. I also did not want to discuss it with the coach [Gernot Rohr] because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to him or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game. As much as I wanted to discuss it with the coach, I could not.

“Thankfully, my father was safely released on Monday afternoon. I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and the support I’ve received from friends and family members. Unfortunately, my dad is now in hospital receiving emergency treatment as a result of the torture he received during his capture.”

Mikel bravely went on to post an impressive performance against Argentina although his side still lost 2-1 and got eliminated.

The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed in a statement that Mr Obi had been rescued from the kidnappers.

The kidnappers allegedly demanded N10m as ransom from Obi’s family, according to police.

“Michael Obi, the father of Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” Enugu Police command spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said.

“He was rescued a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers, who escaped during the shootout.

“He is right now in the office of the Enugu State police commissioner.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mikel-why-i-played-against-argentina-while-my-father-was-in-kidnappers-hands/

Super Eagles defender Shehu Abdullahi has thanked Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal for his kind gesture after he received a land, house and cash gifts from the state’s number one citizen on Monday, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

Abdullahi was hosted by Governor Tambuwal at the Sokoto State government house on Monday and got the reward for his exemplary performance for the national team.

“I want to appreciate my Governor (Aminu Waziri Tambuwal) for this great honour, it feels so good my hard work and being a good ambassador of this state is been celebrated and recognized. I am grateful to our darling Governor for this kindness and great gesture,” Abdullahi stated at the event.

“This is not an honour for me to slip off, but to work very hard with my club and the national team. What interests me most is the support for my Foundation and the land to build my sports complex, we have many talents in Sokoto and we must create the enabling environment to nurture them with modern facilities.”

As part of the effort to raise fund for the Shehu Abdullahi Foundation, a charity match will take place on Thursday between Team Shehu and a team to be led by Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa.

“We have concluded plans to host a Charity Match in Sokoto State, the match will be between Shehu Friends and Musa Friends,”he added.

“Apart from the charity angle to it, we want to motivate the youths and give them hope, I am optimistic Sokoto will produce more football stars in years to come.”

The Bursaspor of Turkey defender was part of Super Eagles side that got eliminated in the group stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/abdullahi-thanks-sokoto-governor-for-cash-land-house-gifts/

The Enugu State Police Command has rescued Pa Michael Obi, the father of Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, from kidnappers.

Mikel’s father, according to the police, was on his way from Jos, Plateau State, in a grey coloured Toyota Prado jeep, with registration number MUS 604 CG, when he was kidnapped.

The spokesman of the Command, Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement released on Monday stated that Pa Obi and his driver, John Ishaya, were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu road on June 29.

The kidnappers demanded N10m as ransom from Obi’s family, according to Amaraizu.

“Michael Obi, the father of Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” disclosed Enugu Police command spokesman Ebere Amaraizu.

“He was rescued a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers, who escaped during the shoot out.

“He is right now in the office of the Enugu State police commissioner.”

Mikel has revealed that his father was in the kidnappers’ custody during the Russia 2018 World Cup clash between Nigeria and Argentina last Tuesday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/enugu-police-confirm-rescue-of-mikels-kidnapped-father/

English Premier League clubs Huddersfield and Fulham are eyeing a move for Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa, [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url] reports.

Musa, 25, impressed for Nigeria at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia despite the country’s early exit from the competition.

He scored two sublime goals in the Super Eagles 2-0 win against Iceland in their second group game and was also impressive in the 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

The former Kano Pillars star has struggled to pin down a regular shirt at Leicester City after arriving from Russian club CSKA Moscow in a £16.6million move in 2016.

The versatile forward spent the second half of last season on loan at his old club CSKA Moscow.

And according to a report in Mirror.co.uk, Huddersfield and Fulham are weighing up a move for the player who still has two years left on his contract with Leicester City.

The two clubs are looking to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season and see the Nigerian as a valuable asset.

Huddersfield were nearly relegated last season, while Fulham won promotion from the SkyBet Championship.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/premier-league-clubs-huddersfield-fulham-chase-musa/

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has picked Kenneth Omeruo as his standout defender in the Nigeria squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

West, who featured for Nigeria in two World Cups inb1998 in France and 2002 in Korea/Japan, stated that Omeruo’s inclusion in the defence after the 2-0 loss to Croatia strengthened the defence.

Omeruo played against Iceland and Argentina and was impressive.

“For me Leon Balogun and Troost- Ekong did well but the inclusion of Kenneth Omeruo ensured we were not caught out in set-pieces and dead balls,” West told CSN in Lagos on Sunday.

“He is gaining more experience and I hope the see him get even better after the ups and downs.

“I think, going forward, we should play to the strengths of our players than just mere tactics. He (Omeruo) did well to force his way back after all the condemnation.

“I just hope he and the rest step up and get us another Africa Cup of Nations title.”

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender also reserved praise for Ahmed Musa and Oghenekaro Etebo.

“Musa also too was the best player in attack scoring twice in three games. Not many gave him a chance but he proved himself scoring twice just as Etebo also did well in the middle. He thrived playing along with Mikel. I hope they keep this form and build on it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/taribo-omeruo-etebo-musa-super-eagles-best-players-in-russia/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to action when tyey face Seychelles in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on September 7 in Victoria, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The encounter will be their first competitive game following their exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The three-time AFCON winners who have missed out on the last two editions of the competition lost 2-0 against South Africa in their first game in the qualifiers.

Gernot Rohr’s men will face Libya on October 10 at home will the reverse fixture to hold five days later in Tripoli.

The reverse fixture against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa is scheduled for November 16.

The Super Eagles will round off their qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Seychelles on March 22, 2019.

Dates and venues are subject to approval of CAF and respective Football Associations.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-eagles-to-resume-afcon-qualifiers-in-september/

Former Germany and Nigeria manager Berti Vogts has declared that many of the current squad do not deserve to continue to represent the country following their shocking exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The defending champions suffered a shocking 2-0 loss to South Korea in their final group game on Tuesday and finished bottom of Group F on three points.

Die Mannschaft had previously not failed to progress past the group stage of a World Cup only in 1938, and Vogts has said that a number of the current players are not worthy of representing the national team again.

“I assume that the German Football Association will part with many players as they do not deserve to continue to play for our national team,” Vogts who once managed the Nigeria national team told Eurosport .

“That was not worthy of a German team. They have shown no will, it was all too slow.”

Vogts managed the German national team between 1990 and 1998, and led them to success at Euro ’96. He also managed the Super Eagles and took them to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, their worst outing in eight years.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-super-eagles-coach-vogts-many-germany-players-not-good-enough/

Following the Super Eagles’ ouster at this year’s FIFA World Cup, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s highlights fallouts for the team…

– FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE SUPER EAGLES

The expectations on the Super Eagles going into the World Cup was very huge. Following the kind of preparations the team had, there was the belief they would surely make it out of their group.

But things did not turn out as expected as they could not go past the first round, no thanks to the heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in their final group game.

Having said that, the Super Eagles were not disgraced as they showed they could mix it up with the best which shows the future of the team is very bright.

With players like Francis Uzoho, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Tyronne Ebuehi all making their World Cup debuts and also impressing, it means this bunch will be a handful especially when the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume.

– GERNOT ROHR SHOULD STAY

Though the Super Eagles failed to progress from the group stage, it is imperative that Gernot Rohr continue his role as head coach.

It is evident that since Rohr’s appointment, there is this family bond among the players. Right from the qualifiers up until their last game at the World Cup against Argentina, it is clear for all to see that there is unity and oneness among the players that even in defeat, they are still together.

It would be an unwise decision to allow Rohr leave now because it would mean the new coach would have to start all over again, which will take the team back to square one.

– MIKEL OBI IS STILL KEY TO THE SUPER EAGLES

Another important figure in the Super Eagles that still has a role to play is the captain Mikel Obi.

Since taking over as captain of the team, Mikel has exhibited his leadership qualities which have rubbed off positively on the team.

Since it is a young team, it is important Mikel still sticks around to guide them especially now that the 2019 AFCON qualifiers are just around the corner.

He might not play regularly, but being on the bench and offering advice would go a long way in helping the team grow.

– IT SHOULD BE CURTAINS FOR SOME PLAYERS IN THE SUPER EAGLES

The 2018 FIFA World Cup made it crystal clear that some players have no business in the Super Eagles anymore.

Players like Odion Ighalo, Elderson Echiejile and Ogenyi Onazi should say their byes from the team as it is glaring now they are over the hill.

Aside from Ighalo who played in all the group stage games and did not impress, the duo of Echiejile and Onazi were not even considered for selection.

The fact that Rohr decided to switch to inexperienced players like Etebo, Ebuehi and Bryan Idowu at critical times when he could have turned to these experience heads is an indication their days in the team are numbered and they should do the honourable thing and retire from international football.

– SUPER EAGLES WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE KEY GOING INTO 2019 AFCON QUALIFIERS

Currently the Super Eagles’ position in their 2019 AFCON qualifying group does not look pretty, there should be a turnaround when the race for Cameroon kicks off.

With the experience garnered at the World Cup, it will be difficult to stop the Super Eagles from picking one of the two tickets from their qualifying group for the 2019 AFCON.

With due respect to South Africa, Seychelles and Libya who are in the Super Eagles AFCON qualifying group, they do not come close to the likes of Croatia, Argentina and Iceland.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/bright-future-time-to-retire-and-other-fallouts-of-super-eagles-world-cup-exit/

Kennis Ebirim, a medical doctor with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has been confirmed dead after watching Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup match between Nigeria and Argentina, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Nigeria needing a draw to advance to the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup lost 2-1 to Argentina with Marcos Rojo scoring a late winner to send the La Albiceleste through.

Ebirim’s family members, colleagues and neighbours confirmed his death to the News Agency of Nigeria at his residence in Owerri.

The deceased was reported to have slumped and was rushed to hospital after Nigeria crashed out of the world football tournament.

Ebirim’s younger brother, Dr Chikere who is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, expressed shock over the development.

“We were together on Sunday with my dad. He used to have cases of heart attack but he was also on medication,” Dr Chikere Ebirim told News Agency of Nigeria.

“This is so shocking because he was sound in health when he left Owerri on Monday morning for Abakaliki where he works.”
​
Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebonyi-doctor-dies-after-watching-super-eagles-lose-to-argentina/

Nigeria may have been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup but Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been rated as the player with the most tackles and interceptions so far at the competition.

This was confirmed by football facts and statistics website, whoscored.com on their verified Twitter handle.

According to whoscored.com, he has made 15 tackles and 12 interceptions more than any other player at the 2018 WorldCup so far.

Ndidi was in action for the Super Eagles who narrowly missed out of qualification for the round of 16 from Group D.

The Leicester City star played in all three Group D games of the Super Eagles at the tournament.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-rated-player-with-highest-tackles-interceptions-after-world-cup-group-stage/

Former Super Eagles winger Tijani Babangida has backed the team to emerge stronger from their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports

The Super Eagles were eliminated from the competition on Tuesday after going down to a 2-1 defeat against Argentina in their final Group D game at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.

They were four minutes away from eliminating the Albiceleste before Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo netted the winning goal.

And Babangida, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, stated that team have picked vital lessons from the competition which will help them in future.

“It’s a shame that we didn’t make beyond the group stage. The boys gave their best but it was just not enough,” Babangida told CSN.

“They lost concentration at a crucial part of the game which you don’t do in football or else you pay dearly for it.

“It is not the end of the world for us. They still have a lot of competitions to play in future and the lesson gained here will be crucial for them.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/babangida-super-eagles-paid-dearly-for-loss-of-concentration-theyll-bounce-back/

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has been harping on the great success the team will become at the time of the next FIFA World Cup four years from now. And in this interview granted at the Krestovsky Stadium Saint Petersburg Russia on Tuesday June 26 2018 after the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to La Albiceleste of Argentina to exit the 2018 World Cup, Mikel also shares what he holds as positive takeaways from the match.

How would you appraise the performance of the Super Eagles against Argentina?

It’s sad to go out of the World Cup this way. We did so well, we gave everything in the game, but just two lapses and we conceded the goals. I think that the positive thing we should take out from this match is that we did very well – we did all we could do. We were so close to going through but it didn’t happen.

I hope that in the next four years this great team, these young players can do much better.

What do you say of Messi’s presence in the match and the difference it made for Argentina?

I think what an amazing footballer he is. I think that he was pretty much quiet throughout the game, but then he had his moments.

We did exactly what we wanted to do in the match but Argentina is a great team, with great players. We had a lion share of the game. It’s just a shame to go out this way.

What do you think about referee’s performance in the match, especially his decision not to award a second penalty to Nigeria after Rojo’ s header bounced off his own arm?

I think it should have been the second penalty against Argentina. I believe that was a penalty. I don’t understand how it wasn’t a penalty. I asked the referee why he didn’t award us the penalty. I asked him ‘did the ball touch his hand? He said yes, and I asked him again, ‘so why didn’t you give a penalty? He said that he didn’t know. You don’t know? You should know because you’re the referee. You should give the penalty.

This is a game we could have won. We could have scored a second penalty goal. But unfortunately, it has happened. But the VAR? This is what happens.

What do you think about the VAR system?

(Laughs) Arŕrrrgh, I don’t want to make comment about it. Big country, I don’t know. Small country? I don’t want to go there.

You think it has something do do with being a small country?

I have nothing to say about it. You can do that mathematics yourself. That’s all I can say.

How do feel personaĺly about losing to Messi again?

It’s not a competition between me and Messi. I will say we came close to getting a win agaist Argentina at the World Cup, but it didn’t happen in the end. It would have been amazing for us as a team if we had won and advanced to the next round. I should say that luck wasn’t on our side and was on Argentina’s side, and we couldn’t go through.

What do you think of Argentina’s chances of going far in the tournament?

I think they have a good team. They’re going to do well. They’ve now gone through the First Round and they will feel relieved and play better football. I think they are a great side.

We managed to keep them quiet. We managed to do our job in the game. I’m so proud of the boys’ performance against Argentina. The young players have done very well. Congratulations to the team. We just have to kèep going.

What would you say of Ighalo’s contribution in the game?

Ighalo is an amazing striker and a great guy. He is an experienced player. He knows he can lift himself up with great play. Yes, he missed one or two chances, but he actually did well when he came on. He looked threatening. He knows how to deal with the situations.

How long more will your fans and Nigeria supporters see you playing for the national team?

(laughs) I don’t know. I will always serve my country. We will see what happens.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/interview-mikel-young-eagles-players-will-win-for-nigeria-in-four-years/